"IV v1.0" track listing:

"If the purpose of a first chapter is to draw a reader or listener in for the full ride, 'IV v1.0' accomplishes that beautifully."

You've got to admire Ion Vein for trying something a little different. Rather than put out a full album, the band is releasing what label Mortal Music is calling "a chapter at a time" in EP form, with a full CD coming out at the end of the cycle. If the purpose of a first chapter is to draw a reader or listener in for the full ride, "IV v1.0" accomplishes that beautifully.

The band brings an appealing mix of thrash aggression and prog-rock technicality to all three of this chapter's tracks, with "Enough" particularly standing out. The way the chunky thrash intro gives way to the almost Middle-Eastern-sounding verses is masterful, and singer Scott Featherstone's delivery is spot-on.

The band also scores with the speedy "Anger Within," which features guitarist Chris Lotesto's best solo, as well as Chuck White's best performance behind the drum kit. Somewhat less successful — though not bad at all — is "Love/Hate," which feels a bit one-dimensional compared to the other two tracks.

The digital release was produced and engineered by Neik Kernon, who's worked with Nile and Queensryche, among others. He's done an admirable job here, creating a perfect balance between Lotesto's guitar and the rhythm instruments.